Design and Materials Selection of Tropical Natural Fibre Composites

Abstract

In this chapter, two main topics in product development of products from tropical natural fibre composites; product design and materials selection are discussed. Engineering design process is presented and the emphasis is on the total design. Conceptual design and detail design are key activities in design but only conceptual design is emphasized in this book. Design approach for natural fibre composites may be different from metals, conventional composites, polymer and ceramic. Various idea generation techniques are discussed. Concept evaluation techniques for tropical natural fibre composite product development were reviewed. Design for manufacture is briefly reviewed. Materials selection using various tools and techniques suitable selection of tropical natural fibre composite materials is finally presented. Topic of design of products from tropical natural fibre reinforced polymer composites is still new. A lot of areas within this topic that can be explored such as in the areas of design for manufacture of natural fibre composites, design analysis during conceptual and detail design of products from natural fibre composites, design for sustainability for natural fibre composites, mould flow analysis for natural fibre composites and design to cost for natural fibre composite products. All those topics were originally intended to included in this chapter but due to space constraints, they are proposed to be included in future publication.